We could all use an escape from reality right now, and books can be the perfect way to put aside real life worries. If you suddenly have more time on your hands due to the coronavirus, you might consider joining a local book club. Yes, meetings are likely cancelled unless there is a remote option in place, but you could always see what the next book on the list is in hopes that meetings will resume soon. It will give you something to look forward to, and give you some thought-provoking book suggestions!

Even if book clubs aren't for you, consider ordering books from your local bookstore during this time. These small businesses need our support more than ever! By the way, did you know that your Bucks County library cards gives you access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines? Find out more here.

Bucks County Community College Book Discussion

Bucks County Community College Book Discussion cancelled their April meeting, but they plan to resume on May 14 with ‘The Topeka School. The group typically meets from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month during the academic year at the college’s Newtown campus. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Michael Hennessey, the literature professor who organizes the meetings, says group members come from a variety of backgrounds, but share a love of reading, and new readers are always welcome.

“The group has many deep thinkers interested in sustained inquiry about the state of humanity, and in learning about other cultures and how different people think,” said Hennessey, who has led the group discussions for more than two decades. “We welcome newcomers because we are interested in new perspectives. You can come and just listen if you want, just to get a taste of the conversation.”

For the Thursday, May 14 meeting, the group takes on “The Topeka School” by Ben Lerner, named a Top 10 Book of the Year by the New York Times, Time, GQ, Vulture, and the Washington Post. Adam Gordon is a senior at Topeka High School, class of ’97. His mother, Jane, is a famous feminist author; his father, Jonathan, is an expert at getting “lost boys” to open up. Adam is one of the cool kids, and one of the seniors who bring the loner Darren Eberheart―who is, unbeknownst to Adam, his father’s patient―into the social scene, to disastrous effect.

The final meeting of the semester will be Thursday, June 11 with “Winter is Coming: Why Vladmir Putin and the Enemies of the Free World Must Be Stopped” by Garry Kasparov.

Here are some more book club suggestions. Be sure to email the group you're interested in joining to see how they're changing due to COVID-19. 

Newtown Bookshop

2835 S. Eagle Rd., Newtown

The bookshop hosts several book clubs, including a Monthly Cookbook Club, a Daytime Book Discussion and an Evening Book Discussion. Click here for more.

Doylestown Bookshop

16 S. Main St., Doylestown and 162A Peddler’s Village

The Doylestown Bookshop and its Peddler’s Village location host nine book clubs that meet monthly. Clubs have themes like nature lovers, sci/fi fantasy horror, philosophy, and personal growth. Find the right book club for you on their Web site at www.doylestownbookshop.com/bookclub.

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